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Carolina inquires about Cloutier

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 13, 2001

TAMPA -- Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford recently called Lightning general manager Rick Dudley and offered to trade for goaltender Dan Cloutier.

Carolina's offer included Marek Malik, a 6-foot-5 defenseman who is good with the puck but, despite his size, is not a dominant physical presence. The offer was refused.

The Hurricanes have been looking for a backup for Arturs Irbe, who made his 29th consecutive start Friday night against the Panthers. They also have inquired about San Jose's Steve Shields.

Dudley would not elaborate on any trade discussions, but said he is not shopping Cloutier, who has played well despite inconsistent use as Kevin Weekes' backup.

Cloutier was acquired from the Rangers for the No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft.

"If somebody wants to acquire a player of that stature, they are going to have to pay a significant price," Dudley said before Friday night's game against the Flyers at the Ice Palace. "More significant than I think anybody would because we value the guy that highly."

VINNY EQUALS GRIT: Coach John Tortorella was impressed when Vinny Lecavalier decided, despite his strained neck, to play in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Maple Leafs.

"He wanted to play, and the way he did play, it showed he wants to be a leader and not be so concerned with his slump," Tortorella said.

Lecavalier, who has one goal in 16 games, was injured Sunday in Chicago. He still had trouble bending his neck backward Wednesday, but played 16:43 on 19 shifts and got an assist. He has missed two games in two-plus seasons.

Friday, Lecavalier took a slap shot off the left foot at 12:47 of the first and had to be helped to the training room. X-rays were negative. He has a bone bruise but returned later in the period.

HEY, TEACH: Why was Ryan Johnson picked to fill out the Lecavalier-Brad Richards line? Grit and smarts, Tortorella said.

"I think Ryan is very cerebral," Tortorella said. "He's a smart player and lends a little jam to the line. He can take Vinny and Brad and teach them a little bit about the defensive end of the game."

Johnson said: "I told them any time they have questions or uncertainties, they can feel free to ask me."

But it's not all about defense.

"We want to be able to give these guys chances (to score)," Johnson said.

ODDS AND ENDS: Fredrik Modin is the second Tampa Bay player to have consecutive 20-goal seasons. Brian Bradley did it in 1992-93 (42) and 1993-94 (24). ... Defenseman Maxim Galanov and forwards Stan Drulia and Kyle Freadrich were healthy scratches.

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